Tag Archives: Pet Peeve

When talking about boys, Cher from “Clueless” lamented “they fall out of bed and put on some baggy pants and take their greasy hair – ew – and cover it up with a backwards cap and like, we’re expected to swoon? I don’t think so.” While I love Cher and agree with her statement about young men today, she is not exactly the poster girl for proper english language. One thing I learned from Clueless is that if you do not have anything to say do not use filler words such as “like” and “um.” Now, I know “like” seems to be ubiquitous. It creeps into conversations like a virus and it is just as impossible to cure. Girls, if you have not gotten the memo, “The Simple Life” is so a billion years ago, as is speaking like Paris and Nicole.

Maybe we all need a little grammar lesson. “Like” is a comparison word, synonymous with “similar.” You also might use it in place of “love.” It should definitely not be used to like, fill the silence.

Is this what you want to be? Cite: Fox Network

I was inspired to write this post after listening to a few women share opinions during a class discussion. I had to physically stop myself from cringing and covering my ears. As educated women, we do not need to say words that mean nothing and make us sound frivolous and ignorant. These students had interesting things to add to the class. However, it translated as: “I like can’t wait to go to the mall.”

Do you say “like” too? You are not alone. I know that there was a time when I would use this word in random, improper parts of my sentences. There are ways to stop yourself! Follow these steps to break this bad habit! One: Become aware of what you are doing. Two: Ask friends or your parents to correct you when you use “like.” After being interrupted and told how many times you are using “like,” you will stop because, honestly, fitting in that useless word is not worth all that drama! Once you stop saying “like” people will listen to you and not be distracted from your brilliant ideas by inane words.

Do you say “like?” Have you noticed this word being over used in conversations? Are you going to try to stop? Do you have other ideas about how to break the habit?